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July 27, 2010

3 Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Most experts agree that marketing is key to maintaining any business. But, what is marketing?
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July 02, 2010

How to Stay Up in a Down Real Estate Market

Summer is here. The housing market has picked up and continues to gain momentum, mortgage rates are still low, buyers are out and about, there are multiple offers on single properties, and even though the federal tax credits have expired, transactions are still taking place. So, life is good . . . right? Hmm . . . not so fast.
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June 18, 2010

Is the Real Estate Market Stressing You Out?

The real estate market is challenging. Foreclosures, short sales, price markdowns, high demand/low supply, RESPA/HUD-1 confusion, it's enough to stress you out. And we all know what stress can do.
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June 09, 2010

How Will the U.S. Jobs Bill Affect Local Real Estate Development?

House passes job legislation, but is it all good news?
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June 04, 2010

How to Handle Difficult Clients

Realtors can acquire a number of special designations in order to make themselves more marketable, such as: Commercial Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Appraiser Specialist, Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist, Green Specialist, and the list goes on. But I've never seen a designation for "People Specialist " You know . . . a designation that would qualify you as an expert in "How to Handle Difficult People or Clients." Bummer.
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May 20, 2010

How to Prioritize and Make Life Easier

You have a million things to do and they all need to get done yesterday! But since there's only one of you, what gets done and what doesn't?
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May 10, 2010

7 Best Ways to Negotiate Real Estate Contracts

Negotiation is at the heart of successful real estate contracts. Each side comes to the table with expectations and if all goes well each side leaves feeling satisfied with the outcome.
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April 29, 2010

Real Estate Agents: Will Driving a Flashy Car Make You Richer or Will the Clunker Get Her Done?

Clunker vs. Flashy Car.  Does it really matter?
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April 22, 2010

9 Secrets of Success in Real Estate Sales

Real estate sales can be a lucrative business. Do you have what it takes?
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April 16, 2010

Lakeview Title Company Real Estate Market News

The housing market is in recovery. Are we headed for another boom? Or will growth sputter and stall? Has there been any job growth? Has the foreclosure rate risen?
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April 07, 2010

5 Reasons Why Buyers May Be Bummed Out About the Real Estate Market

Far be it for me to be the bringer of not-so-rosy news because I like to think optimistically. And not-so-rosy news really gives me the heebeegeebees!! In any event, it is what it is, so read on.
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March 31, 2010

Real Estate Agents: 12 Best Ways to Market Yourself

After you've done your research and identified your target market, marketing involves building and maintaining relationships with people who are interested in buying what you are selling. It means regular communication that lets people know you can help solve their problems or give them what they want.
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March 24, 2010

Is It Better to Be a Jack of All Trades or Master of One? - Part II

This is Part II of a two-part series.  Part I addressed specializing. If you missed it, by all means, feel free to go check it out.  Part II will address generalizing.
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March 17, 2010

Is It Better to Be a Jack of All Trades or Master of One? - Part I

Real estate professionals have an abundance of choices when it comes building, maintaining, and expanding their businesses. But when you think about it, it comes down to two basic strategies: generalize or specialize.
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March 11, 2010

Lakeview Title Company Real Estate Market News

Are people buying or just kicking tires?  Is the economy looking up? Will short sales become easier? Has Spring sprung? What's going on with downtown Columbia? And why on earth am I asking so many questions?!!!  
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March 05, 2010

Do Buyers Have the Right to Choose Their Own Title Company?

Title companies are not created equally.  Neither is title insurance. So, shouldn't a buyer have the right to choose?
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February 23, 2010

Will the O'Malley Foreclosure Mediation Bill Solve the Foreclosure Crisis?

Maryland is above the national average in foreclosure filings. And during the last quarter of 2009, foreclosures in Maryland increased significantly from the previous year. So, what's a governor to do?
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February 18, 2010

Cyber Security Hub in Maryland Will Bring Jobs and Housing

The Pentagon's proposed Cyber Command at Fort Meade could mean good things for the region
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February 16, 2010

What a Snowtastic Week!

I know . . . I know!  You were stuck in the house for days watching television, surfing the internet, and drinking hot cocoa.  Meanwhile, business nearly came to a screeching halt. 
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February 02, 2010

Short Sales Going Rogue!!! - UPDATE

Short sales almost went into cardiac arrest last month.  But thanks to the attorney general's office . . . they're still on life support!! 
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January 26, 2010

It's Tidbit Tuesday . . . so here's a tidbit of what's going on in the market

What's going on with mortgage interest rates?  Are home sales up or down?  What's the FHA talking about?  Look no further.  The answers to all that and more . . . now . . . on Tidbit Tuesday!
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January 20, 2010

Short Sales Going Rogue!!!

The audacity of stealing hope . . . hope that a short sale would actually make it to the settlement table! 
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January 13, 2010

What Do Real Estate Agents and NFL Players Have in Common?

Big money?  High stakes?  What do real estate agents and NFL players have in common?
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January 06, 2010

Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick . . . Interest Rates Are Headed for an Uptick

We've all become accustomed to low interest rates.  Is the party over?
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December 30, 2009

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Get Excited About the Real Estate Market in 2010 and Beyond

A wise person once said that in order to be happy you need three things:  Something to do, something to love, and something to look forward to.  I admit I cannot help you with the first two, but I certainly can try to help you with the last one. 
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September 16, 2009

70-Something Ways You Could Lose Your Home

One of our title insurance companies, First American Title Insurance Company, produced a great summary of what can go wrong if your title insurance is lacking.  They titled it "70-Something Ways You Could Lose Your Home."  We've reprinted it below for all of our clients to read.  Thanks to First American for this useful information. 
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